Webinars

Which grass is which? 

Plant identification can be challenging, especially plant identification of grasses. Land managers, farmers, naturalists, and gardeners want to know which grass is which so you can manage undesirable grasses and promote desirable ones. Illinois Extension can help you learn which grasses have wildlife benefits, are potentially harmful if left untreated, and if they need to take action.
short clumps of grass in woods

Woodland Grass Identification

Here's your introduction to grass identification, with terms to know and tricks. Then we dig into the identification of 15 species of woodland grasses in Illinois. While grasses may not be a group of plants you expect to find in abundance in a wooded area, there are still many species of grasses that can be found in our woodlands.
prairie grass

Prairie Grass Identification

Prairies are dominated by grasses, and what a diversity of them there is! We’ll start to piece out the 18 different species of grasses found in Illinois prairies.
nuisance grass

Nuisance Grass Identification

There are 22 nuisance grass species in Illinois commonly found on roadsides and in other disturbed areas. While we may not want to see these grasses out in the field, it’s important to know how to tell them apart from more desirable species.
clump of rye grass seed heads

Cool-Season Grass Identification

In spring, cool-season grasses emerge, grow, and flower. These grasses, both native and non-native species, play an important role in providing habitat and food sources in the early spring before warm-season grasses emerge and flower in the summer. 
warm season grass

Warm-Season Grass Identification

Over the summer, warm-season grasses emerge, grow, and flower. These native and non-native grasses provide habitat and forage for wildlife. You might find these grasses while out hiking or along roadsides.
yellow foxtail spike

Annual Grass Identification

While many grasses are perennial and return year after year, other grasses are annual and only live for one year. Many of these annual grasses emerge, grow, and flower in the summer, while others grow in the winter and spring. Learn how to identify 19 different annual grasses in Illinois, including both summer and winter annuals.

Be a good steward of the environment.

Telling one plant from another, especially grasses can be tough. We've create a series of field guides, webinars, and videos to guide your journey. Then watch your confidence grow as you identify what is growing in your field, backyard, forest, or favorite hiking spot.